Lionel Messi to Miss Argentina’s Upcoming World Cup Qualifiers Due to Muscle Strain

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The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announces that Lionel Messi, captain and iconic forward of the national team, will be sidelined for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Uruguay and Brazil due to a muscle strain.

Messi, 37, experienced discomfort following Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS). Subsequent medical evaluations confirmed a muscle strain, necessitating a recovery period during which Messi will remain in the United States.

Argentina currently leads the CONMEBOL qualifying standings with 25 points from 12 matches. The team is scheduled to face second-placed Uruguay on March 21 and traditional rivals Brazil on March 25. Messi’s absence presents a significant challenge as Argentina aims to secure early qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

In light of Messi’s unavailability, head coach Lionel Scaloni has announced a 26-player roster for the upcoming fixtures, incorporating both seasoned players and emerging talents. Notable inclusions are forwards Julián Álvarez and Ángel Correa, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, and defender Nahuel Molina. The squad also sees the return of defender Juan Foyth and the introduction of young prospects such as Nico Paz, Thiago Almada, and Máximo Perrone.

Other Absences

Alongside Messi, the national team will be without Paulo Dybala, Alejandro Garnacho, Gonzalo Montiel, and Enzo Barrenechea, all sidelined due to various injuries. These absences necessitate strategic adjustments as Argentina prepares for these critical matches.

Upcoming Fixtures

Argentina vs. Uruguay: March 21, 2025, at Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires.

Brazil vs. Argentina: March 25, 2025, at Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro.

The rivalry between Argentina and Uruguay is one of the oldest in international football, characterized by intense and closely contested matches. Similarly, encounters between Argentina and Brazil are highly anticipated, often influencing the trajectory of South American football. Both fixtures are expected to be fiercely competitive, with significant implications for World Cup qualification standings.
The Argentine Football Association expresses confidence in the depth and resilience of the national squad. While acknowledging the impact of Messi’s absence, the AFA believes in the collective strength of the team to perform at the highest level in the upcoming qualifiers.